Off-roading Experience in Chennai with Terra Tigers
I went to an off-roading event for 4×4 Jeeps and SUVs organised by Terra Tigers in Chennai last Sunday because — I didn’t have anything else to do 😛 I did not drive any of the vehicles shown here — although they offered me to — because I don’t drive cars!! I managed to successfully hide this fact from everyone out there 😛 So my experience was on the front passenger seat, but this was also a unique experience alright! 🙂
Here, there is a natural terrain that goes up and down. So they got on their vehicles and started to climb up and down the sandy terrain. Nowadays, as you might have noticed, the roads in Chennai are getting better. So maybe it’s sorta boring to drive on smooth roads always, that too with vehicles that are capable of much more, hence this hobby to relive the adventurous life one always dreams of — I guess. Just kidding! 🙂
The SUVs were *slightly* more comfortable, but for *raw excitement*, jeeps were the best. Actually, they make many modifications to the vehicles to make it safer and better for such off-roading activities. They do a lot of training and testing activity frequently. I found the group very helpful and they were constantly encouraging each other. As you can see in the below photo, someone marks the terrain and indicates readiness to the driver, who then jumps, I mean rides into the downward slope!
Getting back up is the more difficult part. Some of them took multiple attempts before climbing back up. Some even got struck in the mud, among the vegetation, etc. In rare cases, another car will go and pull the car out (with a rope).
So if you are bored with your car’s potential vs. smooth roads/traffic constrains in the city, you might want to explore joining the Terra Tigers team and learn how to do off-roading properly. Terra Tigers conducts a national-level competition in various categories for 4×4 vehicles called “Palar Challenge“. Since this year is the tenth anniversary of this event, they are mighty excited about it.
For further Information, visit Terra Tigers website.
I thank the Terra Tigers team for a wonderful off-roading experience over the weekend 🙂 Also, while we were there, I found some ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) brought by enthusiasts. A company called Polaris is manufacturing them in India, it seems. Here’s one —
Destination Infinity
Thanks for the nice article. I didn’t know that there is an off-road driving course near Mahabalipuram until now. One thing everyone must understand is that they should attend “off-road training class” before attempting to drive off-road.
Yes. The Terra Tigers team told me that they regularly train and help each other out during the practice sessions.
Destination Infinity
Wow! Great to know you participated (took passanger seat) in the palar rally/off-roading. I know about this sports taking place in palar and being an off road enthusiastic I love to take such rides for very long time. My visit to cloud mountain (megamalai) recently was nearly an offroading journey. Hope it was a great experience for you and also exciting and adventurous 🙂
Yeah it was good, but I wish it was for half-a-day instead of full-day, as the sun was scorching hot 🙂
Destination Infinity
Next time I come to Chennai I will try this. I had no idea that there is an off-road driving course near Mahabalipuram. Great pictures. And the jeep man!
Please do. The best off-roading experience, IMO, can be had sitting inside jeeps or ATVs, not those comfy SUVs.
Destination Infinity
Looks massive like tigers! I liked the ATV. Indeed a good weekend experience.
ATVs were even better — wonder why this team doesn’t include ATVs also for their practice and challenge events. Maybe they will in the future.
Destination Infinity
wow nice article and i like the photos of this event specially ATV
I have more photos of ATVs, but since this post is not about that, I just posted two. Maybe I will post some of them (and a few videos) later…
Destination Infinity
Seems that you had loads of fun.
Good for you.
I never went on such trips. Seems like fun though.
🙂
You can go to such trips in the US. I am sure there are more opportunities there.
Destination Infinity
Co-driving is also one hell of an experience and the post says it all..front seat driving and “not back seat” for a change made all your readers go gaga with the ATVs..lovely
Front driving, that too in the jeep, takes the cake. But I wish to experience ATVs also someday.
Destination Infinity
Wow! This must be some thrilling experience! Like you, I prefer to sit on the front passenger seat only. KG would surely love to drive in such a terrain. I think there’s something like this in Pune too.
Good to know your husband likes driving in different terrains. Watch out for something like this near your town — who knows, there might be one!
Destination Infinity
Wow Rajesh, I seriously envy you man 🙁
Wonderful shots too! I’ll be looking for such opportunities near my location 🙂
Nice photos,
very useful information.
Thanks SM, glad you liked it 🙂
Destination Infinity
Hi do you have any of there contact number.We would like to go for a ride next week end could you help us
Check the following pages:
http://terratigers.in/Contact.html
https://www.facebook.com/terratigers
I’m interested in off road driving classes if you offer any. Please mail me if you have any.
Please check ‘Terra Tigers’ Facebook page.
Destination Infinity